What’s in Season? – Fall Fruits and Vegetables

What’s in Season? – Fall Fruits and Vegetables

Now that many of our local Farmers Markets have closed until spring, I find myself yearning for some tasty fresh fruits and vegetables. Sure, grocery stores have a plentiful array of different legumes, but there is something extra satisfying about getting food straight from the source. In a world where “seasonal” items present themselves year round, how can we tell fresh from foe? Here are some fall fruits and vegetables that taste best this time of year.

Apples – Most Washingtonians probably know this already, but apple season has arrived. Did you know Washington State produces between 10 – 12 billion apples every year? Even more surprising, farmers hand-pick every one of them as no harvest machines exist. Of course many of these apples are available at your local grocery store, but certain farms and pumpkin patches have apples for sale that you can pick right off the tree.

Carrots – This colorful vegetable grows primary in California and on the East Coast, but they like our Pacific Northwest fall climate as well. Many of you know that carrots help to improve your eyesight, but did you know they also prevent heart disease and stroke? In addition, carrots are a great antioxidant.

Cabbage – Although you’ll find this vegetable in grocery stores all the time, they taste sweetest in the fall season. In fact, cabbage tends to taste the most delicious when harvested during cooler temperatures.

Pomegranates – Pomegranate byproducts have exploded in the last decade, but you might have difficulty finding this bright red fruit during the spring and summer months. Pomegranate seeds are very tasty in a salad, or simply on their own.

Broccoli – Broccoli makes an appearance in our supermarkets all year round. In fact, many Americans consider it a staple food for dinnertime. However; this green vegetable tastes best when the leaves begin to fall. Like cabbage, broccoli tends to taste sweet and less bitter when harvested during cold temperatures.